With the improvement made in laminate floors over the last several years, it can be hard to tell a difference between it and real hardwood flooring. The look of the floors maybe close to the same, but there are some pros and cons of each type that will help you make a decision about which is the best for you and your home. Real hardwood floors are just that—real wood, therefore, they are somewhat harder to properly care for. They are not scratch resistant, but they are rather easy to repair if they do get damaged. Hardwood should not be cleaned with water, and the cost of special cleaning supplies to clean them properly is a factor to consider. More expensive than laminate, and difficult for a non-professional to install, hardwood does give the classic look that most long for, and they can be stained almost any color. For a home with a lot of direct sunlight, hardwood may be prone to fading, but on the positive side, they can be refinished as trends change or as age incurs. Laminate flooring is less expensive and less resistant to wear and tear; if damage does occur, however, it is not easy to fix. The tongue and groove installation method of the floating flooring makes it easy for an amateur to take on the do-it-yourself project, and if you choose the color carefully, it can be hard to tell the difference between these and hardwood. The downside is that laminate cannot be refinished, so as trends change in flooring, changing out this option will be a difficult and costly undertaking. If you choose the flooring that comes with a thin layer of built in pad, it makes the surface have a little give; this is especially beneficial for those who have or will have young children who will learn to walk and inevitably fall; the pad also gives a bit of absorption for sound wave. If you live in a house with a lot of kids, this is a clear selling point for you. Either type is a more sanitary option over carpet for almost anyone. Mold and mildew are not a problem with hard surfaces, spills and accidents can be cleaned up easily if they are discovered promptly, though spills on hardwood can warp the surface if they are not tended to immediately. It is also sometimes recommended to rip up carpeting and install hard surface for those who suffer from allergies, and carpet is certainly a downside for those pets as well. As far as trends go, if you are looking for a new trend, you will most likely find it available in hardwood first, the laminate style of a trend will come along later, or not at all if it is difficult to replicate, though even if a replication of the texture you are looking for exists, if your project is a restoration one, you should consider sticking to real hardwood for the purpose of keeping with the retro naturalness of the home. Choose a flooring long island company that can give you a professional looking floor for your home. For more information, visit http://www.northstarcarpetandflooring.com
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